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Night Guards in Lakewood, CO
If you wake up with a sore jaw or teeth that look worn, night guards in Lakewood, CO can protect your smile from grinding and clenching while you sleep.
Many people grind or clench their teeth at night without knowing it. Over time that pressure can wear down enamel, chip teeth and fillings, and leave your jaw muscles tired and sore in the morning.
Lakewood Smiles provides night guards made to fit your teeth. We will look for signs of grinding at your checkup, explain what we see in plain language, and help you decide whether a night guard makes sense for you.
- Made to fit your teeth
- Protects enamel, fillings, and crowns
- May ease morning jaw soreness
- Simple daily care routine
What a night guard is
A night guard, also called an occlusal guard, is a removable appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. It places a durable barrier between your top and bottom teeth, so the force of grinding and clenching goes into the guard instead of your enamel, fillings, and crowns.
A night guard does not usually stop grinding, but it protects your teeth from the damage it causes and can take some strain off the jaw muscles. Guards made from an impression of your teeth fit more closely and evenly than the boil-and-bite versions sold in stores, which can feel bulky and may not stay in place.
Who may need a night guard
Signs of grinding, known as bruxism, include waking with a sore jaw, a dull headache near your temples, teeth that look flat or chipped at the edges, new sensitivity, or a partner who hears grinding at night. Stress, some medications, and sleep problems can all play a part.
A night guard is especially worth considering if you have crowns or bridges, bonding, or other cosmetic dental work you want to protect. Grinding can sometimes be linked with sleep breathing problems such as sleep apnea, so if you also snore loudly or wake up gasping, mention it to your physician as well.
What to expect when you get a night guard
It starts with an exam of your teeth, bite, and jaw to look for signs of wear and to rule out other causes of pain, such as a cavity or a cracked tooth. If a night guard makes sense, impressions of your teeth are taken so the guard can be made to fit.
At the fitting visit, the dentist places the guard, checks that it seats fully and that your bite on it feels even, and makes small adjustments if needed. You receive instructions on wearing it and keeping it clean. It may feel strange for the first few nights, and most people get used to it quickly.
Cleaning and storing your night guard
Each morning, rinse the guard and brush it with a soft toothbrush and cool water, then let it dry before storing it in its case. Avoid hot water, which can warp it, and keep the case somewhere pets cannot reach, since dogs in particular like to chew guards.
Bring your night guard to your regular checkups so the dentist can check its fit and look for cracks or heavy wear. A guard that is cracked, loose, or no longer fits evenly should be adjusted or replaced. Keeping up with dental cleanings also gives the dentist a chance to track any changes in wear.
Insurance and payment for night guards
Coverage for night guards varies a lot between dental plans. Some cover a guard for grinding, some cover it only with certain limits, and some do not cover it at all. Asking your plan before the visit is the easiest way to know what to expect.
Lakewood Smiles accepts select plans from Delta Dental PPO, Cigna PPO, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, GEHA, Humana, MetLife, Guardian and Medicaid. Not every plan from each carrier is accepted, so please call 303-988-6860 before your visit and we can check whether we are in network with your specific plan. Any estimate is based on information from your dental benefits company and is not a guarantee of payment. You can see the insurance list and billing notes on our contact page.
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Common questions about night guards
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Many people only find out when a partner hears it or the dentist spots the wear. Common signs include waking with a sore or tired jaw, headaches near the temples in the morning, teeth that look flat, chipped, or shorter, and new sensitivity to cold. If any of these sound familiar, mention them at your next checkup, where the dentist can look for patterns of wear on your teeth.
Is a custom night guard better than a store-bought one?
A store-bought boil-and-bite guard can offer some protection in a pinch, but it is shaped by you at home and is often thick, loose, or uneven. A guard made from an impression of your teeth fits closely, stays in place, and spreads the force of your bite more evenly. That usually makes it easier to wear every night, which is what really protects your teeth.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
Usually not entirely. A night guard is mainly protection: it takes the wear and force of grinding so your teeth do not. Some people find they clench less while wearing one, and many notice less jaw soreness in the morning. Managing things that can make grinding worse, such as stress, caffeine late in the day, and poor sleep, may also help, along with talking to your physician about sleep problems.
How do I clean my night guard?
Rinse it as soon as you take it out in the morning, then brush it with a soft toothbrush and cool water. A mild, unscented soap can help remove film. Avoid hot water and harsh cleaners, which can warp or damage it. Let it air dry and store it in a ventilated case. Brushing your own teeth before putting the guard in at night also keeps it cleaner.
How long does a night guard last?
It depends on how hard you grind and the material the guard is made from. Some last several years, while heavy grinders may wear through a guard sooner. Signs it needs attention include cracks, holes, a loose or tight fit, or a change in how your bite feels on it. Bringing the guard to your checkups lets the dentist catch wear before it stops protecting you.
Can a night guard help with jaw pain?
For some people, yes. By cushioning the bite and reducing the strain of clenching, a night guard may ease jaw muscle soreness, especially in the morning. Jaw pain has many possible causes, though, and pain that is constant, or comes with clicking, locking, or trouble opening your mouth, should be examined so the cause can be found. Your dentist can help sort out what is going on.